pnp manifesto 2011

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EMABARGOED UNTIL WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 14, 11:00 AM

People Power:

Leading the Agenda for Progressive

Change

2011 MANIFESTO OF THE PEOPLES

NATIONAL PARTY

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RESTORING TRUST

The Peoples National Party (PNP) is opposed to all forms of corruption, whether in public orprivate life, and will continue to be resolute in the implementation of measures to effectively dealwith this very serious issue.

It is for this reason that the Party implemented the Integrity Commission to screen prospectivecandidates before they are able to represent the Party in any local or national elections. Thismeasure will promote the selection of representatives of the people who have the requisite integriand ability.

In Government, the Party also implemented a number of measures to prevent and expose corruptpractices. These included:

The expansion of the media landscape

The opening up of Parliamentary Committees to media coverage

The separation of Policy and Organisation issues in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCFthus giving the leadership of the JCF, unfettered authority to deal with acts of corruption; an

The creation of the Office of the Contractor General. Creation of reporting obligations of Members of Parliament

We will continue to make internal use of our Integrity Commission. We will increase publiceducation on the nature of corruption, the role of citizens in protecting public funds and in ensurinthat they receive value for the tax dollars spent.


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MESSAGE FROM THE PARTY PRESIDENT

Participation, Accountability and Responsibility

The Peoples National Party has always sought to improve the quality of life of the Jamaicanpeople and to encourage their fullest participation in making the decisions which impact theirlives.

This Manifesto has benefited from wide consultations during the process which led to thecreation of the Progressive Agenda and the broad approaches which will guide the policies andthe conduct of the next Government of the Peoples National Party.

It sets out very clearly that we will be a Government which respects the people; and whichrecognises the value, the rights, and the obligations of all public servants, be they teachers, civilservants, police personnel, health professionals, or managers and staff in the governmentagencies.

The PNP remains committed to a National Gender Policy and all international treaties relating togender. Our commitment will be mainstreamed in all our programmes and activities.

We recognise the major fiscal, economic and social difficulties which will confront us, given theexperience of the last four years; as well as the continuing uncertainties in the globalmarketplace.

We therefore, intend as a priority to approach the task of rebuilding confidence in the Jamaicanpeople and in our international partners with all the skills which our team possess, and by dealinghonestly and respectfully with all stakeholders.

Our first task will of necessity be the shaping of a new Agreement with the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF), taking into account the present reality of the Jamaican society and theneed to facilitate growth in our economy, if we are to make social and economic progress as apeople.

The initiatives which we propose to undertake include; among other thing, a realistic, meaningfuland sustainable job creation programme using existing resources; the restoration of the healthsector to a path of sustainable quality; a new focus on early childhood education; measures tomaintain further crime reduction; the provision of more efficient services at the local communitylevels; and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to create jobs,improve the quality of services and increased opportunities for the empowerment of citizens.

I encourage you to examine very carefully the details contained in this Manifesto and thecommitments which we make. Our record of service to this country has earned your confidence

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over the years. The years ahead call us, as Jamaicans, to renew trust between the people andtheir government, and to work together for our common good for generations to come.

I commend to you our undertaking to stand by the principles ofParticipation, Accountabilityand Responsibility.

Your empowerment remains our constant goal.

Portia Simpson-MillerPresident: Peoples National Party (PNP)

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FOREWORD

As we begin our journey in this our 50th year of independence we are mindful that as a nation,we have made significant strides from our origins in a colonial society to where we are today.We have accomplished a great deal in every aspect of national life from academics toentertainment and sports.

We are now at a crossroads in our development and we will need to make the requisite effort tomove forward. This will, of necessity, have to be a national effort requiring the resolve of all ofus. There is no doubt that as a people, we are up to the task.

This Manifesto is being presented at a time of great uncertainty. At the global level, of particularconcern is the potential collapse of the Eurozone. A successful resolution of the challenges is animperative, not only for the member states of the European Union (EU) but for the worldeconomy. However, this resolution will not only be costly but will lead logically to an inward-

looking EU for the medium term.

The PNP is mindful of the economic challenges, both global and domestic, and recognises thatthere will be limited options within which to manoeuvre. However, in developing the path todomestic recovery, the PNP Administration will exploit, to the fullest, its relationships withemerging economic blocs.

We remain committed to Vision 2030 to making Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work,raise families and do business.

The task ahead will not be easy, but the Administration is well equipped to deal with whateverlies ahead. At all times, we will seek to engage the population in the difficult decisions which wewill have to make, fully aware that as a country, we stand our best chance of self-actualisationand the achievement of individual and collective goals, when provided with the socio-economicand political environment that is both nurturing and empowering.

This 2011 Manifesto builds on the Progressive Agenda which was circulated earlier. It has beenconstructed within the context of global uncertainty and the absence of full information from thepresent Administration about the extent of Jamaicas challenges and the commitments whichhave been given to the international financial institutions, in particular the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF).

We nevertheless stand by the commitments and the intentions stated within, and expect that theywill be modified only in respect of phasing, or on account of major national disasters.

Whatever the unforeseen circumstances, the Jamaican people can rest assured that consultationswith them will be a feature of the PNPs approach to governance.

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We stand by our commitment to the principles and practices of Participation, Accountability andResponsibility.

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EIGHTEEN STEPS TO FULL PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT

1. Negotiate a new IMF Loan Agreement to be in place only for as long as necessary

and on terms and conditions that will lead to both the social and the economic

development of our people

2. Reform the public sector for efficiency, especially at the customer service level both

for citizens and for investors

3. Expand and re-engineer Petrojam through a joint venture partnership to reduce

petroleum costs and contribute to increasing national productivity

4. Remove the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on electricity charges to ease the

burden caused by electricity bills

5. Establish near-shore ICT industries with the Mandeville University Knowledge

Centre as the hub for education, training and job creation

6. Create meaningful jobs using existing resources available to the Government,

beginning with the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP)

7. Lead in the fight against corruption by example, by the proper use of

Parliamentary oversight and by public education

8. Engage the people through community structures in the formulation,

implementation and monitoring of programmes which directly affect their welfare

and development

9. Enhance community policing capability and forensic management to improve the

security of our citizens

10. Introduce new legislation to impact positively on doing business in Jamaica

11. Renew the focus on facilitating small and medium sized enterprises which make the

greatest contribution to economic growth and employment

12. Work creatively with the private sector, the youth, cultural, educational sports and

entertainment organisations and institutions to socialise and equip the youth for

employment and effective citizenship

13. Review the policies on Energy and Information & Communication Technology to

ensure sustainability and growth in the manufacturing and service sectors, as well

as greater efficiency in government operations

14. Restore the emphasis on Early Education and enhance existing initiatives under the

Education Transformation programme

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15. Provide an affordable safety net for The Programme of Advancement Through

Health and Education PATH beneficiaries and members of the disabled community

needing educational, hospital and other health services

16. Restore viable partnership structures between the Government and critical

stakeholders, including the Private Sector, the Trade Union Movement, the Church,the Media and other Civil Society organisations so that trust is restored; the

Development Council will be restored to provide a forum for dialogue and

consultation for the framing of economic and social policies

17. Extend the reach and efficiency of Local Government by giving legal personality to

properly structured Town and Community organisations and requiring proper

reporting relationships on the part of elected representatives

18. Establish a National Council of Justice to formulate the proper administration of

Justice and to protect and promote respect for fundamental human rights

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SECTION ONE: THE MACRO-ECONOMY AND

STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH

Current Economic Position

Jamaica is facing very severe economic challenges, demonstrated by contractions in nationaloutput, severely reduced local and foreign direct investments, a ballooning national debt; as wellas, increasing unemployment and widening levels of poverty. The current Administrationsinability to meet the performance criteria contained in the Standby Agreement with the IMF hasexacerbated the situation. This is further compounded by the continued instability in the globaleconomy. In short, the country lacks a credible medium-term macro-economic programmewhich would provide confidence to investors and hope to the general population.

The central problem facing the economy is the vicious stranglehold of the national debt. Thisdebt has increased by nearly 70% in the four years of the JLP Administration, with very littletangible benefits to the population. Furthermore, the Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX), althoughhailed locally for reducing the Government of Jamaicas (GOJs) interest bill, has underminedinternational confidence in Jamaicas long-established reputation of honouring all debtobligations.

The PNP fully acknowledges that there is no easy solution for resolving the economic crisis.There are limited options. The reaction of the private capital markets to the continuing crisis inEurope is clear proof that it will be an uphill task to rebuild investor confidence, both local and

foreign.

What is required is a credible macro economic programme which takes into account thefollowing:

A clear realistic path for the improvement of the main debt ratios, based on tightexpenditure management

A more efficient and equitable tax system

Reduced corruption and waste and

Increased support and economic cooperation from international partners

In the face of what may seem as intractable problems, it is important to recall that when the PNPleft office in 2007, its macro-economic programme had resulted in consistent improvement in allkey indicators. Furthermore, Jamaicas credit-worthiness was established, as acknowledged bymajor international financial institutions.

The enhanced credibility and predictability of the economic environment was reflected in, interalia:

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Control of inflation, which stood at 5.8% in 2006, and was in single digits inseven of the previous ten years.

A market-driven foreign exchange system with the Net International Reserves(NIR) in excess of US$2.3 billion, wiping out the negative reserves inherited from

the previous JLP Government. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.2% in 2006/2007.

A reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio to108%.

An unemployment rate of 9.6% and

A poverty rate of 9.9%.

The countrys deteriorating economic situation has grown from the mismanagement of thecurrent Administration which, simultaneously sought to implement election promises, whilstunderestimating the impact of the global financial meltdown on the local economy. Havingdelayed negotiations with the IMF for a Standby Agreement, the JLP Administration agreed to aprogramme with unrealistic targets. Since September 2010, none of the programmed quarterly

Tests have been passed. Consequently, draw-downs from the IMF, the Inter-AmericanDevelopment Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU) have ceased, and the Government hasfailed to develop credible proposals for continuation of the programme, thus putting the countryin an economic hiatus.

Under the JLP, the overall competitiveness of the Jamaican economy has nose-dived from 67 th

position in 2006 to 107th position in 2011, its poorest performance ever. The countrys rankingin the World Banks Doing Business rating has also plummeted from 43 rd in 2006 to 88th in2010, being classified among the worlds worst macro-economic environments.

PNP Plans and Strategies:

The PNP recognises that the present crisis demands fiscal responsibility and prudence.However, at the same time, the social crisis requires creative and aggressive growth strategies,which can stimulate the economy and give hope to the people. The PNP recognises that progressin dealing with these challenges will require concerted national effort resulting in meaningfulpartnerships between the government, the private sector, workers and civil society.

1. We will negotiate a new medium term Agreement with the IMF. This Agreement willplace emphasis on stability, growth and development and will be based on credible,and achievable macro economic targets.

2. We accept the need for containment of public spending and the elimination of wasteand corruption. Specifically, a PNP Administration will engage with public sectorworkers in developing an agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reducewages and salaries as a percentage of GDP. We have done this successfully beforeand commit to doing this again.

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3. The PNP believes that tax reform is of paramount importance to fiscal sustainability,economic growth and improved social services. An integral part of this reform is thebroadening of the tax net and the revamping of the incentives regime as a tool tostimulate growth.

4. We recognise the urgent need for public sector pension reform, given theunsustainable burden of pension obligations on the budget. This reform will resultfrom genuine dialogue with the workers and their representatives.

5. Select public assets will be identified and properly packaged for divestment to driveinvestment, growth and job creation. This will be done in a transparent manner.

6. As a demonstration of the commitment to fiscal responsibility, a PNP Administrationwill introduce parliamentary processes that will bring greater transparency andparticipation to the formulation of budgetary and taxation policies. The formulation

of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) which facilitates thespending of (US)$400 million, without transparency and accountability orParliamentary oversight is an example of an approach to be abhorred.

7. There will be a concerted effort to mobilise investments in key productive sectorswhich will form the basis for the growth strategy. The identified sectors are; ICT,tourism, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing and the Micro, Small andMedium Enterprise (MSME) Sector.

8. We will accelerate decision-making on the choice of fuel sources with the principalobjective of reducing energy costs for all sectors of the economy.

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SECTION TWO: REPOSITIONING THE ECONOMY

FOR GROWTH

The focal point of the PNP Administration will be to grow the economy. We are confident thatwe have the right mix of policies to jump-start the economy in an environment of stable prices.These initiatives should provide the jobs in the numbers needed, reduce poverty levels at a moreacceptable pace and improve the quality of life for our people.

To achieve higher levels of production and sustainable productivity, we have identified Energy

and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as overarching sectors to repositionthe economy for growth.

Energy

No modern economy can operate without energy. It is needed for all aspects of social andeconomic activity. However, over 90% of Jamaicas energy needs are derived from importedoil, currently, the most expensive source and projected to remain so well into the future.

The high cost of energy has been a debilitating factor for households and businesses alike and

has impacted negatively on the countrys productivity and competitiveness.

Electrical energy, in particular, is perhaps the most crippling and inimical factor affectingproductivity, competitiveness, economic growth and employment. Its impact on all consumerswas brought into sharper focus in recent times and has been the subject of several forewarningsby the us.

The PNP Administration will move immediately to ease the burden of the General ConsumptionTax (GCT) on electricity bills which was imposed by the current Administration.

Excluding the bauxite and alumina sector, the country uses some 14 million barrels of oil

annually for domestic use: approximately 6 million barrels annually each for transportation andthe electricity sectors; and close to 2 million barrels annually for a miscellany of other uses. Thebauxite and alumina sector, when operating at full capacity uses close to 10 million barrelsannually. Whilst the use, by this sector, does not impact directly on the countrys balance ofpayments, it does so indirectly in the volume of production and consequently on the countrysexport earnings. So, currently, because of the high price of oil, alumina production is at half ofits capacity, representing a fall-out of some US$500 million in gross export earnings.

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Previous PNP Administrations have sought to address the energy problems by giving active andconsistent leadership with various stakeholders at the national and international levels and willdo so when the PNP forms the next Government.

Among the achievements were:

Initiated mitigation policies by suppliers of oil and/or development financing from oil purchases. These efforts have been reflected in the San Jose Accord, the CaracasEnergy Accord and Petrocaribe.

Encouraged the use of local renewable resources reflected, for example, in the WigtonWind Farm.

Improved the adequacy and reliability of electricity supply, compared to the situationinherited in 1989

Facilitated a comprehensive Energy Policy

Encouraged Energy Conservation through the securing of a World Bank loanadministered through the JPSCo, for users to retrofit: and more latterly, the replacementof more energy-inefficient incandescent bulbs with fluorescent and/or LED/LCD bulbs.

Created the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to regulate the electricity sector,among others.

The rapid escalation of the price of oil since 2006 has had very adverse consequences for theJamaican economy, affecting the competitiveness of our products (especially bauxite) and thedisposable income available to persons for food, clothing, education and health.

The PNP Administration will give effect to the policy to liberalise the Energy Sector. In thiscontext, the role of the Government will be to provide a modern regulatory framework for thesector aimed at stimulating and facilitating private sector exploration and the provision ofalternative energy sources.

The re-engineering and retrofitting of the Petrojam Oil Refinery at an approximate cost of someUS$ 1.5 B will be a priority. The Administration will leverage its relationship with theVenezuelan state-owned petroleum company, Petroleum of Venezuela (PDVSA) and create ajoint venture partnership to access equity and debt financing, hence preventing any need for theGOJ to provide a sovereign debt guarantee. A revamped Refinery will also enable provision ofcleaner diesel fuel at a much lower cost. It will also allow for the separation of Petcoke, thecheapest fuel for electricity generation.

The PNPs policy and agenda for energy is guided by a multi-faceted strategy which is consistentwith its over-riding objective for.

The PNP is committed to a diversification strategy as an essential element in the reduction of thehigh cost of energy to include the exploration and exploitation of energy options such as:.

Natural Gas

Coal, and

Renewable Sources

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Over the medium to longer term, a PNP Administration would be actively involved in thefollowing:

Giving support to the development of viable renewable energy projects Upgrading existing legislation affecting the electricity sector and seeking to alter, to the

extent possible, the terms of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) electricity supplyarrangements, to enhance the national interest, to encourage investments by the providerswhile providing a fair return to them

Expanding the use of solar energy

Improving the public transportation system to make it more energy-efficient

Reviewing and strengthening the OUR to more effectively protect the public interest,while recognising the need for investment in the sector

Studying the possibilities of introducing nuclear energy as part of the energy supply mixover the longer term.

Establishing a National Energy Council to address relevant issues and affairs ofstakeholders.

Taking the necessary steps to realise earnings from carbon credits.

Re-activate efforts to explore for oil and gas.

Reviewing the status of modernisation and expansion proposal of the Petrojam Refinerywith a view to early implementation.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project will be re-formulated within the context of a

competitive exercise where the market makes a determination as to the fuel sources.

The PNP will lead a national public education campaign in the reduction of the use of electricalenergy.

Two of its principal efforts in this regard will be:

The switching over of its 90,000 street lamps to solar photo-voltaic with the immediateeffects of lowering its electricity bill.

Mandating the increased use of renewable sources of energy and the increased use of

energy efficient equipment and processes in government agencies and departments.

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Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Under the previous PNP Administration, Jamaica made giant strides in increasing awareness andaccess to ICTs. This was achieved through the then Governments bold move in liberalising thetelecommunications sector through the dismantling of the Cable & Wireless monopoly on

telephony.

The present Government has demonstrated a disappointing lack of understanding of the sectorand its potential to play a transformative role in the country's development.

We recognise that the development trajectory for reaping national ICT benefits involves fiveprogressive steps:

Awareness

Access

Diffusion

Exploitation; and Innovation

Plans and Strategies

Short Term

1. Implement effective IT governance framework with clear roles, responsibilities,accountabilities and processes.

2. Exploit digital technologies for governance with emphasis on revenue collection,education, health, poverty-reduction and crime fighting.

- Greater broadband penetration- Extend E-Learning to the primary and basic school system

3. Assume the lead in the creation of a shared service IT framework (G-Cloud) capable ofsupporting plans for short term cost reductions, improved revenue collection, integratedservice delivery and an ultimately seamless government.

4. Encourage and facilitate the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) to break thestranglehold of proprietary software suppliers and reduce cost, particularly for applicationsoftware.

5. Remove taxation on selected computers and ICT peripherals.6. Greater access and use of international best practices.

7. Establishment of a single regulatory authority for the ICT sector given the reality of

digital convergence.

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Medium Term

1. Implement key elements of the service delivery framework.

2. Fast-track the passage of comprehensive consumer protection provisions that will resultin significant savings to consumers and end-users.

3. Promote research and innovation in ICT4. Deploy resources for training to enlarge the human resource pool.

Long Term

1. Establish the Universal Access Fund (UAF) as an independent entity, similar to thePetroCaribe Fund, under the new Telecommunications Act.

The Fund will also be used to:

i. Deliver educational solutions at the primary and basic school levels.

ii. Create access points at the community level for the transfer of information and

community project support

iii Strengthen and widen the countrys crime-detection and crime-fighting

efforts through the use of technologies, such as public networked camera

systems.

2. Position Jamaica as the regional ICT hub.

Government Access to Fibre-Optics

The PNP Government will energise the Government Communications Network (GOVNET)Project dedicated to the infrastructure roll-out for wide-scale broad-band deployment. Thisproject will lead to:

a. Increasing government efficiencyb. Reducing the cost of operations for government, particularly in the area of

communication through the use of technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol

(VOIP) telephony.

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Job Creation

The PNP Administration will place great emphasis on job creation. We recognise the cripplingblow to the hopes and aspirations of the general populace dealt by drastically reduced economicactivity, job losses and increased poverty. There is recognition of the countrys increasedindebtedness and fiscal challenges. The private sector is laying off staff and cannot be expectedto provide the number of jobs needed. We are of the view that doing nothing is not an option, orthis widespread hopelessness could inevitably lead to social chaos.

Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP)

It is for those reasons that the PNP has developed the Jamaica Emergency Employment

Programme (JEEP), which will be implemented in the short term. Funding for part of thisinitiative will be derived from existing State resources to implement well-designed infrastructureprojects, which will simultaneously stimulate economic activity and create employment.

The main source of funding for such projects will be a reallocation of approximately 25% of theJamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) budget, complemented by resourcesfrom the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). These resources will be channelled into labourintensive infrastructure projects, such as the construction of retaining walls, paving of gullies andreforestation. Proper systems will be put in place to ensure transparency, accountability andefficiency.

The PNP Administration will also provide opportunities for private sector firms to complementthe GOJs JEEP activities in creating employment. Within the context of tax reform, theAdministration will act decisively to encourage new investments by existing firms, which createadditional employment. The measures to encourage such investments will apply across theboard, without sector discrimination. It is anticipated that such special JEEP Tax Incentiveswill be maintained for an initial period of three years, and the programme will then be assessed,particularly in regard to employment and economic growth.

Furthermore, funding will be made available for the GOJ to take equity positions in firms in theMSME sector, on terms whereby the owners can repurchase the shares over a 3-5 year period. Ithas been discovered that the low take-up of available lines of credit by such firms is directly

caused by their limited ability to borrow.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector

Special attention will be given to the MSME sector which has the potential for creating asignificant number of jobs if provided with the resources.

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Based on the November 2010 Labour Force Survey there are 411,000 private enterprises inJamaica, of which the majority employed fewer than 10 persons. With the majority of firms inthe classification of micro, small and medium programmes, policies which support their viabilityare critical. For the most part, significant elements of the MSME sector tend to be informaleconomic activities, loosely referred to as micro enterprises.

Micro Enterprises

These are, for the most part, own account activities with 65% of them involved in retail and pettytrading. An estimated 11% of these are in the manufacturing sector. While value added islimited, they are important as an element of poverty reduction and provide options for thoseunable to enter the formal sector.

Programme Options

1. The Party is aware of work currently being undertaken in respect of tax reform and ourAdministration is committed to advancing the process. We accept the value of taxthresholds for key economic activities in the micro enterprise sectors.

This option allows participants to enter the formal sector and make contributions to:

Payment of NHT

Payment of NIS

This MSME sector is the most vulnerable and needs to be contributors to both schemes inorder to increase access to housing and also to some level of social security payments.

2. Increased Financial Literacy: The new Administration will require that Micro FinancialInstitutions (MFIs) accessing funding from GOJ sources, educate potential clients onborrowing.

Small & Medium Size Firms

Small and medium size enterprises need programme options which are not the same as microenterprises that are involved in lower value-added activities.

Programme Options

1. In the case of micro entrepreneurs, the PNP Administration will encourage bringingthem into the formal sector thereby allowing for the following gains:

Access to credit and other financing options

Payment of NHT and NIS

Being tax compliant and eligible to register and bid for GOJ contracts.

Focus here would be to encourage formalisation, not so much because of the penalties, but theopportunities.

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2. Establish a profit holiday for newly registered small firms to give them an opportunity tostabilise since the first four years of a small firm are the most challenging.

Knowledge-Based ICT IndustriesThe establishing of near-shore ICT industries has the potential to create significant numbers ofhigher-end jobs. The Government will seek partnerships with the private sector to build outinitially some one million square feet of space for joint venture development of `plug and playfacilities (configuration of computer hardware-related devices). The provision of land will be theGovernments equity in these projects.

The PNP Administration will promote the creation of parish and regional centres of excellencefor knowledge-based industries to stimulate local economies and create sustainable jobs.

Emphasis will be on the development of education, recreation and health services, ICT,engineering and creative industries as core economic activities.

The Greater Mandeville area has been identified as one location possessing the human resources,health, education and ICT infrastructure which would be suitable for the pioneering of suchdevelopments.

Benefits to include:

i. Increased opportunities for self-employment or job creation especially at the higher endof the range. However, it is in the medium and longer term that the initiatives planned

for the sector will result in an explosion of jobs, particularly at the higher end of therange.ii. The creative industries as the market for exporting local contentiii. The public sector will also generate new jobs as a result of the mainstreaming of ICTs

into the operations of the Government and its agencies.

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The Traditional Productive Sectors

Manufacturing

Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the manufacturing sector remains the largest of thegoods producing sectors in the economy, in terms of contribution to GDP (in excess of 8%). Thesector also provides employment for just under 80,000 Jamaicans. For that reason, the next PNPAdministration will work closely with representatives of the sector to eliminate the mainobstacles to growth, as well as to provide an environment more supportive of increasedproduction.

Three areas are selected for special mention.

The first relates to the imperative of reducing the cost of electricity. In the discussion of Energyin this Manifesto, we have outlined the specific steps which will be taken to achieve the

objective of reduced electricity costs for the country.

The second initiative will be to guarantee domestic manufacturers the opportunity to supply aminimum percentage of goods being procured by GOJ agencies. Private sector entities will beencouraged to do the same, provided the products are competitive in both price and quality.

The third initiative will be a dedicated, structured programme to increase backward and forwardlinkages between the manufacture and other sectors of the economy.

The annual food import bill of US$800 million provides an indication of the possibility ofsimultaneously saving foreign exchange and increasing output from agro processing activities.

A conservative target of the next Administration is to reduce the import bill by US$20 millionper year over the next five years. At the same time, the Administration will establish a formalmechanism to promote such linkages between the tourism, manufacturing and agriculturesectors.

Tourism

Tourism remains a major earner for the Jamaican economy and one which, due to its long-termviability, must be at the heart of any economic programme. The PNP Administration has alwaysimplemented, in conjunction with the major sector stakeholders, policies which enhance thetourism product, add value to the vacation of our visitors and promoted a wider and more diversespread of tourism earnings. The Administration is committed to a mix of options that include all-inclusive resorts, European Plan, villas and apartments and small hotels. This will facilitaterelated supportive activities to ensure that the benefits are more wide spread.

The growth in the tourism sector during the PNP Administration was guided by the TourismMaster Plan, which had been formulated after extensive consultation with stakeholders.

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Among the successes were:1. The unprecedented infrastructural developments, including the expansion of the Sangster

International Airport, the Norman Manley International Airport, the North CoastHighway and a number of major water and sewage schemes implemented to support

investment in the industry.

2. As part of a policy decision, JAMPRO targeted entrepreneurs in Spain to influenceinvestment in the local industry. This was part of a wider effort to expand the room stockwhich also saw the construction of the Ritz Carlton and Sandals Whitehouse hotels. As aresult of these initiatives, we saw the growth of room stock by more than 7,000 rooms inten years, financed by the largest inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Jamaicashistory. An additional 5,000 rooms were approved and on the drawing board when thePNP Administration demitted office, including the Harmony Cove Development.

3. Special emphasis was placed on the diversification of our stopover visitor market,especially with regard to Canada. Since 2004, Jamaica has recorded double-digit growthannually from this market.

4. In cruise shipping, a facility was built in Port Antonio and plans were finalised for a jointventure with Royal Caribbean to construct the port in Falmouth.

5. The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) was established, with a mandate to improve andenhance the tourism product in Jamaica to enable the implementation of the TourismMaster Plan.

6. Plans for the Montego Bay Convention Centre were completed and funding forconstruction was identified.

Health Tourism

Jamaica is uniquely poised to take advantage of the health tourism market given itsinternational communication system, airports, seaports, climate and unique hospitalityindustry. A PNP Government will encourage and facilitate private sector investment in

this area that has the potential of realising significant economic returns and becoming amajor job provider.

The areas to encourage include:

Spas and wellness centres

Ecotourism centres

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Medical Health Tourism Alternative Health/Ethnomedicines

Convalescent and retirement centres

Incorporating facilities into existing hotels

Government will continue to explore national and international options for development of spas,particularly in the case of Milk River and Bath Mineral Spas, within the full context of the rightsof the people,

Imperatives for the Future

The Peoples National Party will:

Ensure that there is planned integrated infrastructural development of Resort areas.Consensus will be sought on a plan that outlines development along the North and South

coasts which will include all elements such as housing, water supply, sewerage,transportation and environment protection measures.

Ensure better and more inclusive participatory governance of the Tourism Sector byrestoring restructured Resort Boards as a tool for consultation and management of thedevelopment of the resort areas.

Continue the development of the Cruise Ship Sector.

Pursue the development ofHarmony Cove.

Ensure the protection of the environment to guarantee sustainability of our product.

Upgrade, beautify and enhance resort areas using the TEF following pre-approvedplans designed by resort architects.

Continue to diversify our overseas markets by focusing more on the potential of the

European, UK and Canadian markets and to explore market activities in the emergingmarkets particularly Latin America and Asia.

Continue to expand airlift into Jamaica Focus on increasing the revenue earned from the sector.

Ensure that pension schemes and planned housing benefits are put in place forworkers in the hotel industry.

Deepen and widen tourism linkages with other sectors of the economy and ensure that moretourism dollars stay in Jamaica.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be restored to its original mandate ofbeing a transformational source of funding for the industry.

Enhance the visitor experience by developing, expanding and diversifying, the number

of available attractions which showcase our heritage and culture. Community-based tourism will be promoted by creating a Heritage/Culture

Development Unit at the Tourism Product Development Company. Community projectswill be evaluated, and assistance provided to access loan funds through TEF.

Develop the Craft Sector using TEF resources to upgrade the physical infrastructure ofcraft markets, expand and diversify their product offerings, assist with training in newmethodologies, technologies and marketing.

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Provide support for the small and medium hotel sector by funding special dedicatedmarketing programmes targeting clusters.

Pursue the development of specific market segments of tourism for which Jamaica isideally suited, e.g. sports tourism, and health tourism.

Expand the tourism awareness campaigns in communities and schools

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Mining

Jamaicas bauxite and alumina sector has been in the doldrums since early 2009 when three of

the four alumina plants, Ewarton, Kirkvine and Alpart, were closed, largely because of theimpact of the cost of oil. The situation improved slightly when the Ewarton plant was reopened.However, this reopening was on terms that greatly reduced the net earnings from the plant. Thecountrys annual unused capacity represents some US$500 million of potential gross foreignexchange earnings.

With UCRusal now owning 70% of Jamaicas alumina sector and with the proposed sale ofClarendon Alumina Partners (CAP) share of Jamalco to Glencore, this could move to 85%.

In light of the foregoing, the PNP Administration will give priority attention to the following: Determine the modus operandi to deal with the existence of a dominant player so that

Jamaicas best interests can be protected. Restore full production at Alpart and Kirkvine, as quickly as possible.

Give the companies the flexibility to replace fuel oil with cheaper alternative fuel.

Require that priority focus be given by Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) in identifying atleast 30 years of processable reserves for all plants at their maximum production.

Ensure that priority attention is given by all the companies to supporting agriculturalactivities on lands before mining, and the rapid restoration of lands after mining, toenable agricultural, housing or other uses.

Ensure environmental Best Practices across operations.

Work with the Companies to secure their assistance in training youth in vocational skillsto enhance their prospects of employment.

Ensure that mining companies rehabilitate mined lands within three years after they havebeen mined.

Develop a comprehensive land rehabilitation plan for the mining industry, particularly theBauxite/Alumina Industry.

Non Bauxite/Alumina sectors will receive focus. Limestone is the most common mineral foundin Jamaica. The world demand for limestone and limestone products is significant. Its miningand production can be facilitated through an upgrade of the existing rail service, which will linkthe production centres with major ports. The private sector will be encouraged to lead in thisarea.

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Agriculture and Rural Development

Whilst it is the intention of the PNP Administration to diversify the economy at a faster pace, by

exploiting the opportunities afforded in new sectors such as ICT, there is no question thatagriculture will remain one of the main planks of the national economy. However, the socio-economic development of rural Jamaica is inextricably linked to the growth and modernisationof the agricultural sector. In this regard, the next PNP Administration will focus greater attentionon increased food security.

The objective of food security assumes increased significance for small island states such asJamaica, which are net importers of food. Jamaicas annual food import bill over the last fewyears has averaged over US$800 million. In this scenario, import substitution to boost foodsecurity and enhanced rural development and employment, is of paramount importance.

The Administration will focus on the following:

1. Development of starch derived from roots and tubers to support the carbohydraterequirement of the nation. This support will promote the expansion of production ofsweet and irish potatoes, cassava, yam and bananas through incentives such as the supplyof inputs, extension service and research. An objective of this programme is theproduction of flour from these products which could be mixed with imported wheat in theproduction of a variety of products. The Administration will take the lead by mandatingthe involvement of the school-feeding programme as well as other state institutions suchas hospitals and prisons.

2. The development and expansion of herbs such as mint and cerasee, which are used in theexpanding tea manufacturing subsector, which now sources herbs extra-regionally.Jamaica has the potential to produce in quantities to satisfy the needs of CARICOM.

3. Resuscitation of the fruit tree crop programme under which government providesseedlings, loans and grants for land preparation to qualified farmers.

4. The orientation of investment promotion activities to exploit the potential of the export of

roots, tubers, herbs, spices and fresh vegetables. This could be facilitated by thepromotion of strategic partnerships with wholesale and retail outlets in North Americaand Europe with producers in Jamaica.

5. The Administration through RADA, will:i. Organise farmers to produce for export at the requisite quality and

consistency, through the provision of proper technical advisoryservices.

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ii. Collaborate with the major retail chains to partner with farmersiii. Continue the construction of packing houses and offer these to

interested investors who are willing to contract with farmers.

6. Develop farmsteads for young graduates of agricultural institutions. These farmsteadswould comprise a starter-housing unit on 5-10 acres equipped with irrigation and otherinfrastructure necessary for modern farming activities. The production on the farmsteadswould be driven by available markets which the government will assist the young farmersto identify.

7. Continue the implementation of the National Irrigation Development Plan (NIDP)which was formulated and approved by Cabinet in 1998. This is critical to combating theimpact of climate change and overcoming marginal productivity associated with rain-fedagriculture. A new component will be added to the NIDP, which is the installation ofsolar or other alternative energy sources at critical facilities served by JPS in order to

reduce the cost of irrigated water and promote efficiency and increase productivity.

8. Promulgation of policy positions as follows:

i) A National Food Security Policy consistent with the Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO) guidelines that focus on:

Food availability

Food accessibility

Food Safety

Effective Utilisation and Consumption Stability

ii) A National Fisheries Policy

Resuscitating inland fisheries

Legislation to eliminate poaching

Revisit importation policyiii) A Policy on Apiculture

iv) A Policy on Nutraceuticals

v) Policy on Genetically-Modified Foods

Public awareness of safety factor

vi) Policy on Nutrition of Children in Public Schools, to improve dietary offeringsand making use of local produce and products.

9. Finalise the Praedial Larceny Prevention Programme.

10. Develop and implement a strategic programme to, resuscitating conserve and facilitatethe orderly development of a viable ruminant Livestock Sector

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Programme Initiatives to Enhance Competitiveness

Economic competitiveness must be supported by well-developed institutions that govern howbusiness is conducted. A major focus will be to promote practices that are in keeping withmodern business. This will require restructuring institutions that were built to support a

period of economic development that is now outdated.

These include the following:

i. Establishment of a Venture Capital facility, the Jamaica 50 Growth andDevelopment Fund (J50GDF), that will provide entrepreneurs with venture capital,collateral support and capacity building, aimed at facilitating the conversion andtransformation of creative ideas into innovative products and services for the localand global markets. Funded by private debt and equity sources, the J50GDF will be

an innovative financing approach to overcome the historic difficulty of moving ideasthrough to practical valuable products.

ii. A Council on Competitiveness, Innovation and Creativity will be established toaddress Jamaicas long-run productivity that has been in consistent decline for severaldecades. The Administration will spearhead initiatives to convert Jamaicaninnovation into the local production of goods and services, thereby spurring economicactivity and job creation.

iii. A Special ICT Broadband Regime for MSMEs will be established as a critical

infrastructure for sustainability, firm management efficiency, transparency,accountability and integration.

iv. The National Export Strategy (NES) will be reviewed to ensure its alignment with,and relevance to, trends in the global marketplace and to improve the balance ofpayments deficit.

v. The PNP recognises the potential benefits of initiatives such as the recentlyannounced Aid-for-Trade policy and Compete Caribbean programmes and will

partner with the private sector, the unions and civil society in leveraging the bilateral/multilateral resources available under these programmes to assist in thefurther development of the business sector and to build capacity in the relevantagencies and departments of the public sector.

vi. Research indicates that a major constraint on MSMEs is in basic management skills.Support will be given for the training of MSME business owners in Enterprise RiskManagement.

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vii. Tax policy for the encouragement of innovation. There is an intense competition being conducted globally for securing innovation-based and knowledge-basedbusinesses; both from the perspective of retaining domestic innovators who may beattracted away by other firms, as well as in attracting overseas innovators to ourshores.

viii. The imposition of GCT on ICT products in 2009 impacted negatively on theincreasing usage of the ICT technology. The existing policy regime will be adjustedas a matter of priority in order to support firms in meeting the challenges ofglobalisation.

Encouraging Innovation, Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship

Science and Technology

Science and Technology (S&T) will be a central and all embracing feature with the Office of thePrime Minister (OPM) providing leadership. All sectors of our society and economy will beincorporated in a national preoccupation with the role of science and technology.

It will return to the centre of national focus as the main tools we will use to achieve growth anddevelopment. All sectors of our society and economy will be encouraged to focus on researchand development and the application of more indigenous and imported science and technology

applications to all aspects of our existence.

Apart from the all-embracing role of Information Communication Technologies, a PNPGovernment will provide incentives to businesses, especially small and medium sized, to becomemore competitive and efficient through relevant applications of science and technology.

The incoming Prime Minister will resume the chairmanship of the National Commission ofScience and Technology, as a lead institution along with the Scientific Research Council todrive S and T.

The PNP will support the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship. This is where there will begenuine growth in the national economy.

S pecial awards for innovation and inventions will be established. And, we will also return to aprogramme to update our intellectual property rights legislation that will provide more protection for ourinnovators.

- Special incentives will be provided to support innovation and research anddevelopment. This will support not just the development, but market testing, and afull, live roll out of products.

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- Intellectual property rights legislation will be updated to provide more protection forinnovators.

Global Dimensions

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Jamaicas regional and international trade and investment policies will require strong support andguidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), which possesses therelevant diplomatic and negotiating skills and information bases to support effectiveimplementation.

The Peoples National Party has historically provided leadership in the sphere of internationalrelations and foreign policy. This includes, but is not confined to, the decision by the

Administration led by Norman Manley to impose sanctions on the Apartheid Government ofSouth Africa; and the visionary leadership of Michael Manley in opening up relationships withseveral countries in the Non-aligned Movement such as Cuba, Venezuela and countries ofEastern Europe. His successor, P.J. Patterson engendered mutually beneficial relationships withcountries that were considered emerging nations such as China, Brazil and South Africa andwhich have now taken their place as leading world economies and global decision-makers.

As the world experiences one of its worst financial crises, the PNP is aware that any programmeof recovery must be based on building coalitions with other developing countries, nurturing ourtraditional relationships with countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Statesof America, having a distinctive voice in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and

enhancing co-operation with the new emerging economies.

The foreign policy of the next PNP Administration will be bold and visionary, taking cognisanceof the seismic shifts that have occurred on the global landscape and will return Jamaica to itsonce premier position of a respected voice on the international stage.

The Peoples National Party recognises the pivotal role played by the Jamaican Diaspora, both interms of their commitment and contribution to the development of Jamaica and their constantadvocacy on behalf of our country. Respective PNP Administrations have created activecollaborative mechanisms to enable this community to be a part of our development efforts. Thenext PNP Administration will continue this process and provide new and varying opportunities

to give voice to Jamaicas Diaspora.

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Our initiatives will include:

1) Reviving the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as a regional institution for effective,functional and foreign policy co-operation with renewed emphasis on the CaribbeanCourt of Justice (CCJ) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

2) Recognising the BRIC countries (grouping that refers to the countries of Brazil, Russia,India, China and South Africa) as the major emerging global economic and politicalforce, thus pursuing diplomatic and other initiatives to strengthen our mutualrelationships.

3) Positioning Jamaica to take advantage of the potential for reciprocal technical co-operation and opportunities for investment with the Middle East and the Arab world.

4) Becoming an active and effective voice in the global and regional debate on climatechange, especially as this affects Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

5) Continuing to strengthen alliances with other countries in the Hemisphere .

6) Reviewing our External Trade Policy and continuing our advocacy at the multilaterallevel for a rules-based system in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as critical to ourapproach to economic diplomacy in the search for investment.

7) Strengthening our role in the Commonwealth of nations.

8) Assuming a leadership role in advocacy for the reform of international financialinstitutions, particularly in light of the current global financial crisis. This will includestimulating rethinking the question of the treatment of Small Highly Indebted MiddleIncome Countries (SHIMIC) and the need for sustained diplomatic initiatives with the

international community.9) Promote collaboration, especially at the regional level, about transnational issues relating

to small arms and drug transhipment, which are critical to the safety and security of ourpeople.

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SECTION THREE: GOVERNANCE AND THE

CREATION OF

AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

The PNP Government is committed to building and sustaining a social partnership, which bringstogether the private sector and labour to work together to achieve our development goals.

We are of the view that the private sector is the main engine of growth and have a special role toplay in pursuing opportunities for productive investments.

Public/Private local and international partnerships will be pursued for new investments and forthe divestment of select public entities.

Workers and their trade union organisations are important partners and their contribution iscrucial for the national drive towards increased production and productivity.

The PNP recognises that Jamaicans stand their best chance of self-actualisation and theachievement of individual and collective goals when they are provided with the appropriatesocio-economic and political environment that is nurturing and empowering. These interventionswill ultimately provide them with the social and institutional framework within which they canstrive and succeed.

In this environment Jamaicans will be connected with, and be a part of a community, which isinclusive and protective of the rights, interests and values of all.

For such an environment to be realised the PNP commits to the following:

1) The re-creation of the Public Service into a modern, responsive and efficient supportmechanism with a new mandate to serve and support all Jamaicans.

2) The re-establishment of a fully developed local government structure, as a means ofbroadening the participatory process in decision-making; and, to promote real andlasting community development. It is a central tenet and principle of the Party thatLocal Government Reform in this context, represents the most effective means ofdemocratising decision-making, thus ensuring that the voice of the people is the

guiding principle.

3) Enhancing a functional and harmonious relationship between the State, labour, capital,and civil society coalitions. Functionality within these relationships requires sincerity,transparency, effective communication and trust. To this end the Development Council,which was established by the last PNP Administration, and provided a forum fordialogue and consultation for the framing of economic and social policies will be revived.

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4) Preserving a secure and protective environment to support individual pursuits,economic activity and investment. Recent positive trends in homicide statistics arewelcome, but only represent a starting point. The PNP is dedicated to altering andimproving institutional arrangements, particularly within the police force; relentlesslytargeting organised crime and engendering trust between the critical stakeholders.

5) Acknowledging the essential truth in the often quoted refrain that "there can be nopeace without justice," the PNP plans to prioritise, the process of law reform and thecourts system will be re-arranged and strengthened, particularly in line with the JusticeSystem Task Force recommendations.

6) Constitutional Reform initiatives which were agreed by both sides of Parliament since1995 will be pursued.

7) Encourage and facilitate the use of ICTs nationally aimed at increasing individual andcollective productivity levels in the public and commercial sectors.

A New Partnership for Governance

Good governance must be open, accountable, responsive and inclusive. It is best promotedthrough a partnership which embraces civil society, community groups, citizen associations,sectoral interest groups, church and organized labour.

The PNP is committed to building that partnership which will also result in people centreddevelopment. It will contribute to the deepening of the democratic rights of the population byencouraging meaningful civic participation in decision-making.

Through greater involvement of the people in the setting of both national and communitypriorities, they are empowered. Mutual respect and self esteem are thereby enhanced.

Within the Westminster system of Parliamentary democracy, the PNP will fashion newconsultative mechanisms for the meaningful inclusion of civil society, including non-governmental organisations in the constantly changing governance landscape.

The PNP has steadfastly pursued the reform of the electoral system. As a result, we now have inplace a credible system with an Electoral Commission at the core. In addition, there has been

technological and legislative reform making it internationally recognised as one of the best inthe world. This has led to the erosion of abuse to ensureOne man, one vote, same man samevote.

The challenge is to ensure that those communities, which have been stigmatised are included inhuman and infrastructural development possibilities. This will require the concerted effort, notonly by the Government, but from all, including the private sector and civil society groups.

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1. The Public Sector

Jamaica, like every modern democratic state requires an effective Public Sector to carry out:enabling servicing and regulatory functions. Successive PNP Administrations have sought toimprove the quality of governance through various means.

Among them are:

The establishment of a Public Accounts Committee in 1959 and opening it up tothe public in 1991.

The creation of a Ministry of the Public Service in 1973, subsequently a part ofthe Cabinet Office.

The conversion of the Cabinet Office from a Secretariat to an ExecutiveOffice, Ministry Paper #19, 2001.

The inculcation of a culture of good customer service through agenciesestablishing Citizens Charters to guide their conduct vis-a-vis citizenscustomers and the holding of customer service competitions between Agencies,1994.

The creation of a National Contracts Commission by law in 1999.

The creation ofExecutive Agencies beginning in 1999.

The creation of a National Corruption Commission with a CorruptionPrevention Act in 2002.

The enactment of an Access to Information Act in2002.

The creation of a Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act in2002from recommendations from the Thorburn Committee.

The establishment ofGuidelines Governing the Conduct of Cabinet Ministers.

The Party recognises that much more needs to be done within limited resources tomeet the reasonable expectations of the society, including facilitating sustainableeconomic growth, the creation of employment and the reduction of poverty.

The role of the State through the Public Sector includes but is not limited to:

The maintenance of law and order

The provision of a good education at the primary and secondary levels andstrong support at the early childhood and tertiary levels

The provision of an acceptable health care system especially with preventiveand primary interventions

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The alignment of the national sports policy aligned to the countrys health andeconomic goals

The development and strengthening of a recreation-friendly environment aimed atadvancing physical and mental wellbeing

The provision of an enabling environment to facilitate appreciable and sustainable

economic growth.

The protection of vulnerable elements in the society - children, the aged, the sick, andinfirm, poor and persons mentally and physically challenged.

The provision of social safety nets

The protection of the environment

The mediation of disputes and the mitigation of conflicts

The empowerment of citizens for democratic governance

The pursuit of foreign economic and political relations to promote the nationalinterest and contribute to a world of good order, peace, social and economic justiceand human right.

In keeping with the economic realities which confront us, the PNP undertakes to maintain apragmatic balance between its discharge of the roles outlined above and the reality of theGovernments budgetary limits.

Relationship with Unions Representing the Public Sector

The present Administration has pursued a policy of autocracy, insincerity, and disrespect for

labour and for the respective collective bargaining units, which represent the major public sector

professionals and work groups.

This approach has resulted in a significant decline in the trust factor, which is an integral part ofa successful industrial relations environment. The Government has reneged on its promise toengage the social partners in discussions on the Agreement with the International Monetary Fund(IMF); as well as, to involve all stakeholders and interest groups in the formulation of the budget.

The PNPs Policy towards labour will be pursued through a commitment to dialogue, negotiationand information sharing among stakeholders, social partners and civil society. It will involve allstakeholders in discussion on Agreements with the IMF and in the formulation of the nationalBudget.

The PNP will take into account:

The work of the Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU) and the Public SectorModernisation Division (PSMD) of the Cabinet Office, which were establishedbefore the PNP left office in 2007.

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The need to reduce the allocation for public sector wages and salaries, as a percentageof GDP and total government expenditure. This reduction will be arrived at throughfrank dialogue with the workers and their representatives, as was done in thedevelopment of the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2003/2004.

The recommendations of the Public Administration and Appropriations

Committee of Parliament. The reality that 60% and more of the budget is in four important areas of government

Education, Health, Security and Justice.

The services which may not be provided in the event of staff cuts and the implicationsfor the society.

The services which can be removed from the budget, but still be provided on a userpay basis and the implications for vulnerable elements in our society who must haveaccess to these services.

How ICT needs can be met within the constraints of the budget.

The need to strengthen, as a matter of urgency, the capacity of agencies which

facilitate investment, production, employment and economic growth. The need to be able to attract and retain professionals of the highest levels of

competence to the Public Service.

Ensure that the Public Sector Monitoring Committee returns to regular meetings toaddress the issues and concerns existing in the public service.

2. People Participation: Local Government and Community

Development

The PNP remains committed to the deepening of People Participation, the re-establishment of afully developed local government structure and promotion of real and lasting communitydevelopment.

This includes accountability; effectiveness and efficiency; participation; transparency;responsiveness; consensus and equity.

Good governance is an essential pillar of economic growth, sustainable development and theeradication of poverty.

And good governance can only be achieved when citizens are empowered on a broad basis toparticipate meaningfully in the making of decisions which affect their lives, property, interestsand communities. This is the critical building block to successful nation building.

The new PNP Administration will:

Establish a Ministry with portfolio responsibility for Local Government and CommunityDevelopment. This Ministry will focus onsocial transformation in collaboration with otherministries at the parish or municipal levels.

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Create a modern legal framework, including the entrenchmentof Local Government inthe Constitution and a comprehensive revision of existing local government legislation toreflect the new paradigm of participatory governance, local self- management,accountability, openness and transparency.

Establish Town Councils, where appropriate, to enable better management of the affairs

of towns and their surrounding communities; and thereby facilitate greater participationof citizens and communities in running the affairs of the towns.

Officially recognise Parish Development Committees (PDCs), along withDevelopment Advisory Committees (DACs) and Community DevelopmentCommittees (CDCs), and give them legal status with clearly defined roles and functions

Financing of and Financial Management in Local Government

Review the Parochial Revenue Fund to improve its ability to meet the financing needs

of the Local Authorities, and to expand it to include Spirit Licence Fees, as well as otherrevenue sources.

Strengthen the financial management system and audit functions for improved

accountability.

Enhance accountability and good governance through the establishment ofLocal Public

Accounts Committees by all Local Authorities.

3. Labour

During the previous PNP Administration there was significant improvement in industrialrelations, a situation which contributed to the reduction of unemployment and resulted in a stableindustrial climate.

The new PNP Administration will resume its mission to ensure that qualified Jamaicans in theworkforce are able to obtain decent work and to enjoy the rights and conditions appertainingthereto.

We will also provide the labour relations framework in which investors, as well as owners andmanagers of enterprises will maintain good relations with workers, optimising productivity andensuring safety at the workplace.

Opportunities will be sought to create joint venture partnerships with local and overseas intereststo expand employment, especially in fields where Jamaican workers have a competitiveadvantage.

Against this background, the restoration and strengthening of the National ProductivityCouncil will be critically important for the thrust towards sustainable economic growth.

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Specifically the new PNP Government will

Re-establish the International Labour Organisations (ILOs) concept of decentwork at the core of our industrial relations system

Restore trust as the centrepiece of our socio-industrial relationships; and

Promote a socio-industrial model which emphasises the achievement of:

- Economic growth

- Infrastructure Improvement

- Social development

Establish a Labour Market Reform Unit as an important condition to stimulateinvestment and job creation;

Promote a culture of productivity through training

Devise a Wage Policy with the participation of the trade unions, which is appropriateto the country's economic reality

Continue the reform of the Labour Advisory Committee, started under the last PNPAdministration, to give it legislative support and provide the institutional capacity toeffect change

Ensure adequate social protection for workers.

4. National Security

For many years Jamaicans have lived under the threat of violence and criminality on ascale that has negatively impacted the national psyche, and stymied economic growth andinvestment.

To effectively address the scourge of violent crime the PNP will pursue a three-prongedapproach to national security.

These are:

Institutional improvements

Targeting organised crime

Engendering trust

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Focus will be on the following:

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)

In recognition of its pivotal role in national security, a future PNP Government will strengthen its

capacity, both human and institutional, to allow it to maintain its high professional standardsconsistent with its mandate.

The Police Force

The Police Force is the most important agency in the country's campaign against crime. The PNPhas recommended, and the Government has accepted that there should be established a PoliceManagement Authority (PMA), a statutory authority, with jurisdiction over all matters relatingto the constitution, management, administration and regulation of the police force. This willnecessitate the repealing of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act, the Special Constables Actand the District Constables Act. Other legislative measures will need to be undertaken in order

to transfer the functions of the Police Services Commission and the Police Civilian OversightAuthority to the PMA.

This change is geared towards the modernisation of the police force to meet the challenges whichconfront the society.

Modernisation will entail the following:

Targeting Organized Crime

The PNP has a proven track record in the campaign against organised crime. It has led the way in

weakening the nexus between politics and organised crime, including through some highlypublicised interdictions and interventions, without any external prompting.

In recognising the typical trans-national character of organised crime, the previous PNPGovernment embarked on a deliberate policy of cooperation between local law enforcementbodies and international enforcement partners, to ensure the extradition of criminal dons tocountries with evidentially stronger jurisdictional claims against them. This has always beendone without any compromise to our sovereignty; and in practical acknowledgement of theenormous resources available to trans-national criminals; but, with an unrelenting resolve tosecure their conviction by all available legal and constitutional means.

Engendering Trust

Many Jamaicans harbour a deep-seated distrust of the police. Within the society this distrust goeshand in hand with the "informer fi dead" subculture. These attitudes and counter cultural moresrender effective policing very difficult. This dysfunctional feature of ours has evolved overdecades and will take time and effort to reverse.

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The new PNP Government, in tandem with the police, will seek to change this sub-culture. Thischange will be directed to the development of a different ethos in the Police Force which is basedon a true partnership with the community and by changing the approach of the leadership of thepolice to one which embraces service, accountability and a de-centralisation of authority.

Within this new paradigm the Police Force will be repositioned as a civilian law enforcementorganisation. Special units will be developed and maintained with special capabilities to dealwith situations of extreme violence. These units will operate in tandem with the JDF. Thefundamental principle of this new approach to policing is the acknowledgement that effectivecrime reduction will only be sustained if it is based on the citizens reposing trust and confidencein the Police Force, thus conferring on it the legitimacy to operate optimally.

Development of a Forensic Science Programme

The new PNP Administration will oversee the development of a Forensic Science Programmeat the tertiary level. This will ensure the development of a professional cadre of forensicscientists and crime scene investigators. Presently our law enforcement capacity does not capturethe highest levels of training or technology needed to keep pace with the increasing challenges ofcriminality.

The Correctional System

The PNP recognises that the majority of persons who are incarcerated will eventually re-entersociety. It is, therefore, in the interest of the society that these persons be rehabilitated, re-trained

and equipped with conflict-resolution skills. We will focus on the improvement of conditions inthese facilities and the re-socialisation of inmates.

5. Justice

The PNP is convinced that there is an urgent need to reform and modernise the justice systemand its major institutions. A blueprint already exists in the proposal for a National Council ofJustice on the inclusion of civil society in a structural way within proposals for the justicesystem that could be a template for national adaptation. It will contribute to the proper

administration of justice, as well as the protection and promotion of respect for fundamentalhuman rights.

To that end, a Peoples National Party Government will act on the recommendations embodied inthe 2007 Jamaican Justice System Reform Task Force Report for the establishment of aNational Council on Justice, comprised of a broad cross-section of persons, to include civic,church and grassroots organisations

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The National Council on Justice will advise the Government on all major legislative or otherchanges for the improvement of the Justice System; and receive recommendations on variouslegal issues, as well as initiate its own recommendations for reform.

The Council will also monitor and evaluate reforms in a series of regularly scheduled analyses of

Jamaicas Justice System. By these initiatives, civil society will assist in easing the burden thatrests on a forever challenged sector.

The new PNP Administration will undertake the following:

The establishment of a stronger and more independent law reform vehicle to be namedThe National Council on Justice formulated pursuant to the recommendations of theJustice Reform Task Force.

Undertake modernisation of the court system in such a manner as to achieve greaterefficiency in the use of resources; as well as greater productivity and increased

accountability. This will be achieved by strengthening the management capabilities ofcourt administrators and by the re-training and re-tasking of court staff. This programmewill result in the speedier and more effective disposal of court cases; and, with theultimate reduction, then elimination of the backlog, which currently makes a mockery ofthe administration of justice.

Place strong emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the Commercial Court andexplore the feasibility of expanding specialist courts or tribunals to deal with matters suchas motor vehicle accidents.

6. Parliament and Constitutional ReformConstitutional And Legal Reform

A Peoples National Party Government is committed to Jamaica completing the circle ofindependence. Movement on the constitutional reform initiatives that have been agreed by bothsides of Parliament since 1995 has been all too slow. As we approach our 50th anniversary as anindependent nation, we pledge to lead the process for Jamaicas detachment from the Monarchyand for our country to assume the status of a Republic with our indigenous President as Head ofState.

We will also complete the long journey of de-linking from the Judicial Committee of the PrivyCouncil as our final Court of Appeal and fully embracing the jurisdiction of the CaribbeanCourt of Justice.

A PNP Government will move swiftly to enlist the co-operation of the Opposition to implementthe recommended arrangements for a consensual approach to the appointment to membership ofthe Constitutional Commissions and to sensitive positions within the Public Service.

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7.Legislative/Administrative Reform

In support of a modern commercial architecture to support higher levels of investment andeconomic growth, priority will be given to pursuing the following important legislativeinterventions:

Individual and Corporate Insolvency Act will be pursued to replace the existingBankruptcy Act and the pre-1948 provisions in the Companies Act in relation tocompanies which have financial difficulties. The emphasis will be on allowing breathingroom for businesses which have the potential to survive if allowed a reasonable period oftime in which to restructure their financial arrangements; via mechanisms whichencourage orderly arrangements that fairly balance the interests of secured and unsecuredcreditors, shareholders and employees as against those of individuals and/or companies.

The urgently needed amendments to the Companies Act 2004 will be introduced, toeliminate the anomalies which now exist.

A Secured Transactions Act will be pursued, to introduce a clear, modern and low-costsystem for taking security over assets other than land, and provide certainty as toavailable remedies, the rules for resolving competing interests in collateral, and asearchable database to enable existing security interests to be discoverable. This willcomplement the introduction of Credit Bureaus, and reduce the systemic risksassociated with secured lending against motor cars and other movable assets. Theintended outcomes are easier access to credit, on better terms, for consumers, andenhanced financial flows, especially into the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) sector.

A modern Mutual Funds Act will be pursued to facilitate securities dealers reducingtheir reliance on repurchase agreements, an objective which promotes financial sector

stability. Legislation will be enacted to facilitate portability for cell phone numbers.

The new Government will effect changes in certain revenue collection areas for speed andefficiency. These include:

Eliminating the need for company formation documents to be stamped at the Stamp Office.This will be achieved by increasing the registration fee by the corresponding amount.

Collecting transfer tax and stamp duty on real estate sale transactions and on mortgages atthe Office of Titles when the transfer is sent for registration, thereby eliminating the needfor multiple time consuming excursions in and out of the Stamp Office that currently cause

unnecessary delays in completing these basic transactions

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Other Priority legislative initiatives which will be pursed include:

Revisiting the Fair Competition and Customs Duties Act, promoting faircompetition and market access in the domestic economy.

Mergers & Acquisitions Review Clause, to ensure transparency and oversight

Consumer Credit Terms Act, to provide protection to consumers fromunreasonable clauses in contracts. Secured Obligations Act to enable full-disclosure to protect lenders.

Ratification of the Madrid Protocol, to enable local innovators to enjoyaffordable and timely access to global patent protection of our intellectualproperty, a key element in new business development and job creation, especiallyin the creative industries.

8. Information Communication and Technology (ICT)

Jamaica is at that crucial point in the growth of its ICT sector and is well positioned to reap fullbenefits. The PNP understands this and is capable of leading Jamaica to the next stage ofdevelopment

This next stage will involve using ICT as:

An enabler of more efficient government operations

A source of job creation

A tool of empowerment for citizens

A major support for the education sector, and

A spur to innovation

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SECTION FOUR: SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE &

DEVELOPMENT

Quality Education and Health for the 21st Century and Beyond

The PNP affirms its unequivocal belief in the right of access to quality education and health carefor all Jamaicans. There is clearly an existing and growing need for additional resources if we areto enjoy the desired standard of services in these fields. We remain committed to ensuring thatthe access to such services should not be determined by the ability to pay.

A careful review of the factors impacting on these sectors will be undertaken to ensure thatadministrative and organisational efficiencies are maximised and that standards are notcompromised. The health and the education of all our people are the lifeblood of a vibrant andproductive citizenry

Education

Our Party has traditionally emphasised the importance of education to the advancement andwellbeing of individuals and their families, as well as to national development.

In 2004, the Task Force appointed by the then incumbent Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J.

Patterson, presented a Report on the Reform of the Education System. The content of thisReport was consistent with the mandate given to members of the National Task Force to create aworld-class education system designed to generate the human capital and produce the skillsnecessary for Jamaican citizens to compete in the global economy.

The Report contained some 100 recommendations which were presented in the followingcategories:

Governance

Curricula

Behaviour

Stakeholder

Financing

Since its presentation, the Task Force Report has become the blueprint for the development ofthe sector and, over the past seven years, has been the source of all attempts to transform thesystem.

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The next PNP Administration will review the status of the implementation of therecommendations; and will make necessary adjustments, consistent with the objective of aneducated citizenry operating at world class levels and enjoying the quality of life which flowsfrom their achievements.

Given the need to accelerate the transformation of the sy

pnp manifesto 2011

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